Ruger Standard value?

[6gun]

I know the values on most Ruger revolvers but don't know much about Ruger rim fire pistols, I have been offered a Ruger standard as a trade and trying to figure out what one might be worth, I haven't seen the gun yet but from the serial number looks like it was made in 1957, blue with 4" tapered barrel, owner says it's like a MKI but Standard and MKI were two different models according to him.

Is this a good gun to invest in or should I back away and find a MKIII ? also are parts available should it have any problems?

 

[contender]

Well, your friend is partially correct. The Standard model is like a MKI except the MKI has adjustable sights & some different barrel lengths.
One made in 1957 is fine, & generally not as "collectable" as many others. It doesn't have the bolt hold open feature of the MKII, nor does it allow you to put the safety on & operate the bolt. The magazines that are factory are 9 rounders. MKII 10 round mags will work. BUT,,,,,,, you may have to swap sides of the follower button. Easily done.
As for value,,, A shooter grade is around $200, and a prime boxed example will be around $250-$275. Parts aren't usually an issue.

 

[SGW Gunsmith]

I know the values on most Ruger revolvers but don't know much about Ruger rim fire pistols, I have been offered a Ruger standard as a trade and trying to figure out what one might be worth, I haven't seen the gun yet but from the serial number looks like it was made in 1957, blue with 4" tapered barrel, owner says it's like a MKI but Standard and MKI were two different models according to him.

Is this a good gun to invest in or should I back away and find a MKIII ? also are parts available should it have any problems?

It all depends on condition, as far as value is concerned. When you get to actually see the pistol, you'll be able to know right away if it's something you'd want. From your findings, where you say it was shipped in 1957, it most likely is an RST4 with the A54 grip frame. The lower grip screw will be positioned higher on the right side grip panel/frame to clear the "hump" in the grip frame for the follower button. A54 grip frame magazines have the follower button slot only on the right side of the magazine, but , you can use Ruger Mark II magazines by switching the follower button from the left side to the right side and gain one more round of magazine capacity. Several of the parts for the Ruger RST4 & 6, A54 grip frame, along with the A100 grip frame pistols are no longer available. Grip frames, bolts, safeties, triggers, trigger pins, and disconnectors are no longer stocked, or available from Ruger. With normal maintenance and care, you shouldn't need to worry about replacement parts, but only if one or the other is lost.

 

[hittman]

Is this a good gun to invest in or should I back away and find a MKIII ?

I don't have info on value but - to me - old guns are a good investment if you buy them right.

Now, if I were to back away from this it'd be for a MKII, not a MKIII.

 

[6gun]

I like old guns but the price to pay might be to much for this one, he wants to swap me my SR22 for it so I may be getting the short end of this stick in this deal, if it were like you said a MKII or MKIII I wouldn't hesitate to trade.

He has no box or anything that came with it so I fear it's not worth much even if it is real good shape, tried to get a idea what it's worth from Gun Broker but prices are all over the place from $100 opening bid with box and up with no one bidding on them.

 

[wwb]

If you're looking for a collectible, it had better be at least a 98% gun with the box (preferably with the matching serial number). Only extremely rare guns are collectible in less than near-mint condition.

If you're looking for a shooter, cosmetics are less important than function (although cosmetics affect the price). A well-used but well cared for gun of that age would be about an 80% gun ..... loss of finish on the front and rear gripstrap and wear on all the sharp edges.... maybe holster wear, too. About $150-$175.

If you pass on it in favor of a newer pistol, I would NOT consider a Mark III. Your money, your choice, but the Mark III is a giant step backwards from the Mark II.

 

[rugnelli]

Never any Rugers for sale for $150 - $175 around here regardless of condition.

 

[BRL]

Picked up this 1957 in a trade at a LGS but they wanted $235 for it.

I wouldn't have minded paying the sale price as we were both made in the same year 8) and it has become my favorite plinker with a little trigger work and a few other minor modifications.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

Here in Southern CA decent Standard Models tend to bring about what a new MK III would bring. Mark IIs are almost unobtainable, and when you do find one, it is at a premium price. They are recognized (rightly) as the highest development of the Ruger .22 auto pistol line.